With winter weather in full force, it’s important to have appropriate winter shoes to beat the cold and keep your feet warm. Whether you’re a big city dweller or reside in the countryside, proper winter footwear is essential to your safety and comfort. At Simons Shoes, many of our shoe customers ask us how to go about selecting the best winter boots for them. While there are many things to consider when shopping for winter boots and shoes, below are a few tips to help you along the journey.


1. Get Your Feet Properly Fitted

If you want to be prepared for the cold and damp winter conditions without sacrificing your unique fashion style, make sure you have at least one pair of comfortable and warm winter boots. When was the last time you had your feet professionally fitted by a shoe expert? Before you purchase the first pair of fashion-forward winter boots you see, make sure to have your feet properly measured by a professional. Oftentimes, one foot is larger than the other, so it’s always best to make sure you’re buying the correct shoe size for each foot. Below are a few things to keep in mind when you try on your new boots:

  • When you insert your foot into the boot, you should feel plenty of space around your toes. If your toes feel squished either on the sides or in the forefoot, you may need to opt for a larger shoe size.
  • Once your winter boots or shoes have been properly laced, they should feel snug enough to move your toes around without cutting off any circulation.
  • You should not feel any kind of heel lift or slip as you walk around in your new boots. A loose fit can result in painful blisters and can even lead to injury.

2. Check Your Winter Boots Temperature Rating

One of the first things to consider when you choose your new pair of winter boots is the temperature range you plan on wearing your boots in. Many winter boot and shoe manufacturers use temperature ratings to categorize their boots by warmth. Most winter boots are rated to maintain warmth in weather as low as -40℉, but it’s always best to to check and make sure the boots you want can handle the temperatures you’ll encounter.


3. Consider Your Personal Tolerance For Cold

If you’re one of those people who always has cold feet, consider purchasing an extra warm pair of winter boots or shoes. Our women’s Pajar Iceland leather winter boot is extremely warm and cozy and features waterproof soles that shed water and snow with ease. The perfect pair of winter footwear for outdoor adventures, these boots make the perfect winter footwear for everyone.


4. Choose Waterproof Boots To Keep Your Toes Warm

Choosing water resistant winter boots is important to keeping your feet well insulated in wet and cold conditions. Do you live in a region that receives snowfall throughout most of the winter? If so, you’ll want to make sure your trendy winter boots are waterproof. Most pairs of high-quality snow boots and shoes will feature a breathable waterproof layer to keep your feet dry and warm in snowy conditions. If you’re concerned about slipping and falling on hazardous ice, try to find a pair of boots with traction rubber outsoles. For men looking for a casual and protective winter boot, our stylish and waterproof Clark’s Allyn Top is a great choice!


5. Consider Length Of Your Boots

When you begin shopping for your next pair of women’s winter boots, you’ll find a variety of length options from short, ankle-length boots to knee-high boots. A major difference between these types of boots is the ankle support they provide. If you have weaker ankles, longer boots will help keep your ankles stable on rugged and uneven terrain. For guaranteed warmth, opt for knee-high or thigh-high winter boots. While these boot types may feel a little restricting, they’ll protect your legs from harsh winds and snowfall.


6. Winter Boot Material

Depending on your personal needs and preferences, winter boots can come in a variety of comfortable and stylish materials. For ample protection from snow, sleet and ice, consider purchasing a pair of rubber winter boots, like our men’s Muck Boots. If you’re considering purchasing suede winter boots, like our women’s La Canadienne Emmy, make sure to wear them in less snowy and wet conditions, as suede can be a tricky material to maintain in winter months.

At Simons Shoes, we understand how challenging it can be to shop for the perfect pair of winter boots. Whether you’re looking for a stylish boot to wear to work or a heavy-duty waterproof boot to build a snowman outside, you’re sure to find the perfect pair at our online shoe store. Browse our unique and stylish selection of men’s and women’s winter boots online or contact our shoe specialists today!